Christopher Drake
Springfield,MO
Summary
Dynamic leader with a strong foundation in strategic planning and community outreach. Proven success in guiding personal growth through effective coaching and collaboration. Committed to fostering an environment that supports both individual and organizational development.
Overview
1
1
Certification
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Life Coach - Creation of "Finding Purpose" Class
The Ark of Dreams Foundation - Prison Ministry
Montgomery, AL
10.2025 - Current
- Helped clients identify goals, obstacles and strategies for attaining greater fulfillment.
- Guided clients through personal development and growth strategies.
- Facilitated workshops to enhance communication and interpersonal skills.
- Facilitated group workshops to help individuals identify and achieve their goals.
- Conducted one-on-one sessions with clients to discuss progress towards goals and strategies for improvement.
- Conducted assessments to identify areas for improvement and focus.
- Created resources and materials for client self-reflection exercises, promoting deeper personal insights.
- Fostered an environment that was safe for honest exploration into issues related to personal growth.
- Facilitated exploration of abilities, strengths, and weaknesses to enhance individuals' self-confidence.
- Supported clients in setting realistic expectations for themselves based on current circumstances and resources available.
- Listened compassionately while validating the experiences of each individual client.
- Encouraged self-reflection through journaling exercises and open dialogue about personal values and beliefs.
- Researched new strategies for assisting individuals in achieving success in various aspects of life.
- Collaborated to set goals and outline steps to achieve objectives.
- Applied techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and positive psychology to guide clients toward their objectives.
- Delivered advanced counseling in an institutional setting while adhering to established procedures.
- Provided counseling to clients regarding how physical and mental aspects influenced their success.
- Followed appropriate methodology to deliver optimum counseling meeting individual needs.
Certified Peer Support Specialist
The Ark of Dreams Foundation
Tulsa, OK
11.2023 - Current
- Facilitated peer support groups for individuals facing mental health challenges.
- Facilitated recovery for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
- Led support groups and facilitated one-on-one meetings with struggling individuals.
- Promoted a positive environment for clients to discuss challenges by facilitating self-disclosure and actively listening to client needs.
- Counseled individuals to help overcome personal, social or behavioral problems affecting educational or vocational situations.
- Provided guidance to individuals seeking to improve well-being by developing wellness plans and advance directives to achieve personal goals.
- Assisted clients in developing coping skills and strategies to manage daily stressors.
- Organized and facilitated weekly recovery groups for clients to share their experiences and build relationships with each other.
- Assisted in developing individualized support plans based on client needs.
- Offered guidance on how to access housing, employment opportunities, educational programs. within the community.
Executive Director • Chairman of the Board
The Ark of Dreams (non-profit)
Tulsa, Oklahoma
09.2022 - Current
- Led strategic planning initiatives to align programs with community needs and enhance organizational relevance.
- Implemented strategic plans to drive organizational growth and development while maintaining fiscal integrity.
- Managed budgets and resources to ensure efficient fund utilization.
- Developed partnerships with local organizations to expand service offerings for chronic homelessness.
- Cultivated relationships with key stakeholders, including board members, donors, and community leaders.
- Oversaw staff recruitment, training, and performance evaluations to foster team development.
- Executed outreach programs to increase awareness of available services in the community.
- Evaluated existing programs for improvement opportunities based on market analysis.
Federal Inmate
Federal Bureau of Prisons, Maxwell Air Force Base
Montgomery, AL
01.2024 - 09.2026
- Trained service dogs to assist individuals with disabilities.
- Instructed service dogs using verbal commands, hand signals, and body language to achieve desired behaviors.
- Created positive reinforcement techniques such as clicker training to motivate and reward good behaviors.
- Developed customized training plans for each service dog according to individual needs.
- Evaluated individual needs of dogs to provide appropriate training and behavior modification instruction.
- Conducted field training exercises to enhance dogs' responses in real-world scenarios.
- Monitored progress of each service dog throughout the entire training process.
- Displayed passion for animal welfare and demonstrated humane techniques with progressive training models.
Business Owner
PAVCO Asphalt Solutions
Wichita, Kansas
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Managed day-to-day operations including business formation, bids, project execution, employee management, tax compliance, payroll, and legal matters.
- Oversaw project execution, phase progress, workmanship, and team performance to drive on-time completion of deliverables.
- Led startup and creation of operational procedures and workflow planning.
- Enhanced operational performance by developing effective business strategies, systems and procedures.
- Oversaw budgeting and financial management.
- Ensured compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Identified new opportunities for growth, expansion, and diversification.
- Analyzed market trends to identify new business opportunities.
- Developed marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement.
- Created marketing campaigns to attract new customers.
- Managed sales presentations to promote product and brand benefits.
- Established strong relationships with suppliers to negotiate favorable terms and ensure reliable service delivery.
- Monitored progress by establishing plans, budgets and measuring results.
Salon & Spa Owner
Sunny Bellas Salon and Spa
Joplin, Missouri
01.2003 - 01.2018
- Transformed life by overcoming addiction to pursue a divine calling in ministry. Overcame significant emotional and physical trauma through faith and guidance from God. Led men's discipleship initiatives, fostering community support for spiritual growth. Facilitated small groups focused on addiction recovery, encouraging actionable change. Utilized EMDR therapy methods to assist individuals in processing traumatic experiences. Committed to ongoing education relevant to ministry responsibilities since 2018. Undertook steady journey of personal and spiritual development toward future ministry roles. Utilized personal trials to guide others in navigating their struggles.
- Managed staff performance to uphold exceptional customer service and enhance client satisfaction. to ensure high-quality customer service and satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented effective marketing strategies to attract clients.
State Representative Elect - 86th District
Drake for Kansas Campaign
Wichita, Kansas
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Represented a major political party in the 86th District of south Wichita Kansas for the election year of 2016. Major reform in areas of education, taxes, government and regulation. Was Not Elected
- Collaborated with local leaders to address constituents' concerns and priorities.
- Engaged with voters through town halls, phone calls, and social media outreach.
- Facilitated partnerships between government agencies and nonprofit organizations for resource sharing.
- Discussed policy concerns with lobbyists to gain insights on legislative impacts. Engaged with special interest groups to hear concerns and discuss policy solutions.
- Conducted research on current state laws and regulations to inform legislative decisions.
- Spoke with constituents about problems, concerns or suggestions both in public and privately.
- Engaged stakeholders in discussions surrounding controversial topics that affect the state.
Leadership Position
United States Army (Scout) 19 – Delta
01.2001 - 01.2003
- Oversaw daily activities of over 200 soldiers during training and operations.
- Conducted reconnaissance missions to gather intelligence on enemy positions.
- Collaborated with infantry units to coordinate tactical operations and strategies.
- Analyzed terrain and environment to identify strategic advantages for missions.
- Performed scouting missions while providing security for maneuver elements in combat environments.
- Led dismounted patrols into potentially hostile territory to gather information about enemy activities or locations.
- Analyzed threat assessments provided by higher headquarters to develop countermeasures against possible adversaries.
- Instructed new soldiers in basic infantry tactics such as patrolling procedures or battle drills.
- Received and implemented combat orders and directed deployment of personnel in offensive, defensive, and retrograde operations.
Education
Candidate for Doctorate of Strategic Leadership (DSL) - Strategic Leadership
Oral Roberts University
Tulsa, Oklahoma01-2025
Graduate - Alternative Fuels Energy
Tulsa Tech
Tulsa, Oklahoma05-2017
Graduate - Automotive Refinishing / Motorcycle Technology
Tulsa Tech
Tulsa, Oklahoma05-2015
Master's - Business Administration / Healthcare Administratio
St. Gregory's University
Tulsa, Oklahoma05-2013
Bachelors - Business Administration
Oral Roberts University
Tulsa, Oklahoma06-2011
Graduate - U.S. Military (19 Delta) Cavalry Scout
United States Army
Ft. Knox, Kentucky08-2003
High School -
Longmont High School
Longmont, Colorado05-1999
Skills
- Human resources
- Leadership Development
- Group facilitation
- Peer support
- Trauma counseling
- Substance Use Recovery
- Community outreach
- Strategic planning
- Program Administration
- Problem solving
- Communication proficiency
- Active listening
- Empathetic communication
- Team collaboration
- Conflict resolution
- Behavioral change
- Work-life balance
- Growth planning
- Organized and Diligent
- Attention to Detail
- Group facilitation
- Program Administration
Personal Information
Title: MBA, DSL Candidate
Certification
- Certified Peer Support Specialist - Addiction
- Certified Peer Support Specialist - Mental Health
Timeline
Life Coach - Creation of "Finding Purpose" Class
The Ark of Dreams Foundation - Prison Ministry
10.2025 - Current
Federal Inmate
Federal Bureau of Prisons, Maxwell Air Force Base
01.2024 - 09.2026
Certified Peer Support Specialist
The Ark of Dreams Foundation
11.2023 - Current
Executive Director • Chairman of the Board
The Ark of Dreams (non-profit)
09.2022 - Current
Business Owner
PAVCO Asphalt Solutions
01.2016 - 01.2018
State Representative Elect - 86th District
Drake for Kansas Campaign
01.2014 - 01.2016
Salon & Spa Owner
Sunny Bellas Salon and Spa
01.2003 - 01.2018
Leadership Position
United States Army (Scout) 19 – Delta
01.2001 - 01.2003
Candidate for Doctorate of Strategic Leadership (DSL) - Strategic Leadership
Oral Roberts University
Graduate - Alternative Fuels Energy
Tulsa Tech
Graduate - Automotive Refinishing / Motorcycle Technology
Tulsa Tech
Master's - Business Administration / Healthcare Administratio
St. Gregory's University
Bachelors - Business Administration
Oral Roberts University
Graduate - U.S. Military (19 Delta) Cavalry Scout
United States Army
High School -
Longmont High School